Rafidah: Dr Mahathir is disloyal

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation was an act of disloyalty to the party, said Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.

She said she was shocked to hear about Dr Mahathir’s departure, considering that he was someone who always talked about being loyal to Umno.

Talk of the town: Opposition Leader Datin Seri Wan Azizah WanIsmail (left) chatting with Rafidah at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

“We understand that the issues raised by Tun was about leadership but this is a process that must take place graciously and it should not come to (the level of) bringing people down.”

Rafidah said that Umno’s position as the backbone of the Government also had to be taken into consideration.

“What he did was to be disloyal but I think most members are still loyal and that everyone will remain calm,” she added.

In Malacca, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam called on Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.

He also urged party members to remain calm and loyal to the party in the light of recent developments.

“It is crucial for party members to remain steadfast and to strengthen Umno.

On Dr Mahathir’s move being capitalised by the Opposition, Mohd Ali said the Opposition would try to capitalise on every single issue if possible, including resorting to wearing turbans and songkok merely to entice support from the people.

Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali expressed shock and disappointment over Dr Mahathir’s decision.

All those in Umno and the Malay community too, he believed, were saddened by the sudden turn of events.

“After Dr Mahathir had led Umno for 22 years, his decision to leave the party is beyond expectations.

“On behalf of the state liaison committee and for the sake of our race, religion and country, I beg Tun Dr Mahathir to abandon his intention to leave so that we can together strengthen Umno and complete our unfinished struggles,” he said.

Tajol Rosli also called on all Umno members to remain calm.

Batu Pahat Umno division chief Dr Puad Zarkashi hoped that senior Umno leaders would meet Dr Mahathir to persuade him to reconsider his decision.

“Obviously Tun is sending a strong signal to Abdullah to step down and to take the power transition seriously,” he added.

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